Nintendo has surprised longtime fans by bringing classic Pokémon Game Boy Advance (GBA) titles to the Nintendo Switch eShop in celebration of the franchise’s 30th anniversary.
This release—which takes place on February 27, 2026—marks a rare divergence from Nintendo’s typical approach to delivering retro games on its hybrid platform, making the occasion particularly noteworthy for collectors and Pokémon enthusiasts alike. Historically, Nintendo has offered classic titles via its subscription-based Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack services.
Despite speculation and fan requests, the company previously confirmed that Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen would not join the Switch Online 'Nintendo Classics' lineup.
Instead, the anniversary sees these beloved GBA entries launched as standalone eShop purchases, a model reminiscent of the Virtual Console era on the 3DS and Wii U. According to Nintendo’s official FAQ for this release, the company clarified, “Our continued focus is to expand the catalog of classics through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.” The FAQ further notes that this one-off release is designed to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon and is not indicative of a broader strategy to return to individual game sales on modern platforms.
Each of the newly added Pokémon GBA games is priced at £16.99 / $19.99, underscoring their status as special commemorative launches rather than the start of a new retro sales initiative. Nintendo representatives emphasized that these particular releases are being handled differently as a way to make the 30th anniversary “fun and memorable,” rather than signaling a shift in how the company offers its vintage content.
As a result, fans should not expect a wider comeback of standalone Virtual Console-style purchases beyond this event. Outside the main Pokémon anniversary event, the retro game preservation scene on Switch has seen some support from third-party publishers.
Hamster Corporation, known for its Arcade Archives, has introduced the Console Archives collection, bringing select classic console games to the Switch eShop.
This continues to provide opportunities for retro enthusiasts, even as Nintendo focuses its own classic game offerings primarily through its subscription services. Additionally, Nintendo recently expanded its Switch Online library to include the Virtual Boy catalog, accessible to Expansion Pack subscribers with compatible accessories.
This demonstrates the company’s commitment to growing its retro libraries, albeit primarily through the membership model rather than à la carte sales. For fans of both Pokémon and video game preservation, the limited-time eShop release of the Pokémon GBA titles stands out as a rare opportunity to own these classics on the Nintendo Switch.
As Nintendo signals a return to its membership-driven library approach, this commemorative event remains a unique highlight in the Switch’s ongoing legacy of celebrating classic games.
This release—which takes place on February 27, 2026—marks a rare divergence from Nintendo’s typical approach to delivering retro games on its hybrid platform, making the occasion particularly noteworthy for collectors and Pokémon enthusiasts alike. Historically, Nintendo has offered classic titles via its subscription-based Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack services.
Despite speculation and fan requests, the company previously confirmed that Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen would not join the Switch Online 'Nintendo Classics' lineup.
Instead, the anniversary sees these beloved GBA entries launched as standalone eShop purchases, a model reminiscent of the Virtual Console era on the 3DS and Wii U. According to Nintendo’s official FAQ for this release, the company clarified, “Our continued focus is to expand the catalog of classics through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.” The FAQ further notes that this one-off release is designed to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon and is not indicative of a broader strategy to return to individual game sales on modern platforms.
Each of the newly added Pokémon GBA games is priced at £16.99 / $19.99, underscoring their status as special commemorative launches rather than the start of a new retro sales initiative. Nintendo representatives emphasized that these particular releases are being handled differently as a way to make the 30th anniversary “fun and memorable,” rather than signaling a shift in how the company offers its vintage content.
As a result, fans should not expect a wider comeback of standalone Virtual Console-style purchases beyond this event. Outside the main Pokémon anniversary event, the retro game preservation scene on Switch has seen some support from third-party publishers.
Hamster Corporation, known for its Arcade Archives, has introduced the Console Archives collection, bringing select classic console games to the Switch eShop.
This continues to provide opportunities for retro enthusiasts, even as Nintendo focuses its own classic game offerings primarily through its subscription services. Additionally, Nintendo recently expanded its Switch Online library to include the Virtual Boy catalog, accessible to Expansion Pack subscribers with compatible accessories.
This demonstrates the company’s commitment to growing its retro libraries, albeit primarily through the membership model rather than à la carte sales. For fans of both Pokémon and video game preservation, the limited-time eShop release of the Pokémon GBA titles stands out as a rare opportunity to own these classics on the Nintendo Switch.
As Nintendo signals a return to its membership-driven library approach, this commemorative event remains a unique highlight in the Switch’s ongoing legacy of celebrating classic games.
